Socio-economic values and traditional strategies of managing wetland resources in Lower Tana River, Kenya

Abstract

Target reviewThe authors of the following opinion or review paper have agreed to the fact that their paper was sent to a number of colleagues, not for review, but to attract comments. Some of these comments are published after the target review. It is hoped that this format will initiate lively discussions about topical issues.

Baseline review and ecosystem services assessment of the Tana River Basin, Kenya

“…Both sand and gravel are important ecosystem services within the basin (Knoop et al 2012;Terer et al 2004); however, these activities are also considered one of the leading causes of erosion and sedimentation in the basin (Kizito et al 2014). Knoop et al (2012) point out that the industry, if well-regulated, could be managed to enhance ecosystem services by ensuring various mining activities consider timing, location, and types of materials extracted.…”

“…As reported by Knoop et al (2012), such rivers not only become more prone to erosion but also lose their ability to hold excess water and provide a water buffer to local communities during dry times of the year. Terer et al (2004) assert that sand harvesting is an important livelihood activity and is considered a highly valued ecosystem service in several communities within the lower Tana Basin.…”

Who gets the HANPP (Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production)? Biomass distribution and the bio-economy in the Tana Delta, Kenya

“…The remaining inhabitants include the Wardei pastoralists, Luo fishermen, and other tribes. The Pokomos practice flood recession agriculture along the low-lying fertile flood plains adjacent to the banks of the river, which floods seasonally, and grow maize and bananas and other vegetables for subsistence, and mangoes and rice as cash crops (Terer, Ndiritu and Gichuki 2004) The delta is an important dry season grazing area for the pastoralists, and livestock travel from as far away as Somalia and Ethiopia. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Tana Integrated Sugar Project estimates that the delta hosts about 60,000 head of cattle during the dry season, while 20,000 graze permanently in the area (HVA International 2007).…”

Wetlands, agriculture and poverty reduction

“…Consequently, they very often go unrecognized and are often undervalued. Attempts to value some wetland ecosystem services have been made at both the micro and macro scales (Barbier et al 1997;Mitsch and Gosselink 2000;Terer et al 2004;Schuyt 2005;Emerton 2005;Adekola et al 2008). These have demonstrated that the replacement costs for wetland ecosystems are generally far greater than the opportunity costs of maintaining them intact.…”

“…In many places there is a great deal of local knowledge about wetland resources and the environment as a whole, which often informs traditional practices and customs. Traditional resource management strategies are often in harmony with hydrological regimes and, in many cases, fishing cycles and peoples' socio-political arrangements and settlement patterns have been established to safeguard resources and ensure sustainable use of wetlands (Terer et al 2004). However, such traditional systems are increasingly under pressure as population rises, people's need for cash income increases, and contemporary m a n a g e m e n t i n s t i t u t i o n s ( e .…”